How to identify the Mallard

To correctly identify the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos (eksempel: stokkand)), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

50-65 cm (20-26 in)

Wingspan

81-98 cm (32-39 in)

Weight

720-1580 g (1.6-3.5 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Male (drake) in breeding plumage: iridescent green head and neck, white neck ring, chestnut breast, grey flanks, black rear, and a distinctive blue speculum (wing patch) bordered by white. Female (hen): mottled brown plumage with a dark brown crown and eye-stripe, orange-brown bill, and a blue speculum bordered by white. Both sexes have orange legs and feet.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Spatulate (flat and broad) bill, adapted for dabbling. Male's bill is yellowish-green, female's is orange with a dark saddle.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Bright orange to reddish-orange

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Males are unmistakable with their green head and white neck ring. Females are identified by their mottled brown body, orange bill with a dark saddle, and the blue speculum on the wing, visible in flight or when wings are slightly raised.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adult females, but are often duller and more streaky, with a less distinct speculum. Young males gradually acquire their adult plumage over their first year.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Males undergo an 'eclipse' plumage after breeding (late summer to early autumn), where they resemble females but retain a yellowish bill and often some darker head feathers. They regain their bright breeding plumage by late autumn/early winter.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males being much more brightly colored than females, especially during breeding season.

Key field marks

• Male Plumage. Look for the iridescent green head, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and grey body. The yellow bill is also a key feature.
• Female Plumage. Observe the mottled brown body, orange bill with a dark saddle, and the blue speculum (wing patch) bordered by white, visible in flight or at rest.
• Bill Color. Males have a yellowish-green bill; females have an orange bill with a dark blotch on the upper mandible.
• Speculum. Both sexes have a distinctive iridescent blue speculum (wing patch) bordered by white, which is a reliable field mark.
• Vocalization. Listen for the female's loud, characteristic 'quack' and the male's softer, reedy calls and whistles.
• Behavior. Observe their dabbling feeding behavior, tipping head-down in shallow water. They are often found in mixed-species flocks.

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